News

BMAT at Junior Chef Academy

Following on from Burnt Mill's strong links with Junior Chef Academy at Hertford Regional College – 9 BMAT students have started on this terms Junior Chef Academy programme at Harlow College. The evening course runs for 10 consecutive weeks and is open to schools in the Essex region. Students work with college tutors and professional chefs to complete a BTEC catering qualification working on a range of starters, mains and desserts. The course finale consists of a 3 course meal and graduation ceremony attended by friends and family of the Juniors Chefs.

Our 9 BMAT students were part of the group of ten 14-16 year olds taking part and work independently on stations to prepare each dish. They represented BMAT with pride in the first session. It was a pleasure to see them so confidently in action!

“As a Trust, we fully support the Junior Chef programme – Students from Burnt Mill Academy and Forest Hall School get an opportunity to work ‘out of their comfort zone’ – in a professional kitchen experiencing ‘college life’ early in KS4!

Feedback from students has been really positive about the course, staff and facilities at Harlow College hence I continue to promote and support Junior Chef Academy at Burnt Mill and at Forest Hall School. We will soon be recruiting candidates for the Spring 1 course!”

Donna Walsh, Assistant Headteacher, BMAT.

"I just wanted to say what a lovely group of young learners you sent to Junior Chef Academy..

They really did you and your school proud. I was so impressed by their behaviour and their motivation it was a real pleasure to have them all."